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Beluga whale Hvaldimir, known worldwide for his alleged role as a Russian spy, was found dead off the coast of Norway last month, with animal welfare groups fearing foul play.
The animal, estimated to be 4.2 metres long and weighing 1,220 kilos, was only 15 years old, while this type of whale normally has a life expectancy of 35 to 50 years. The causes of the death of this world-famous beluga therefore remained obscure for a long time. Two Norwegian NGOs claimed that the animal had been killed deliberately.
The white whale Hvaldimir was first spotted by fishermen in 2019. At the time, he was wearing a harness that referenced Russia (the words Equipment St Petersburg were written inside) and was apparently designed to attach an action camera. This led many to believe that he was once trained by the Russians to spy. Although marine biologists removed his harness, Hvaldimir quickly became known as the “spy whale.”
The non-profit organisations arranged for Hvaldimir’s carcass to be sent to a specialist facility so that the cause of his death could be determined. Two animal rights organisations, NOAH and One Whale, immediately filed a complaint with the Norwegian police, requesting a “criminal investigation”. They believed the animal had been deliberately killed.
Regina Crosby Haug, the director of One Whale who was on scene when Hvaldimir’s carcass was removed, said the beluga had gunshot wounds. NOAH’s Siri Martinsen said in a press release that the animal’s injuries indicate foul play. “It is crucial that the police act quickly,” she said.
The white whale’s carcass was then examined by veterinarians from the Norwegian Veterinary Institute, who were able to conclude that Hvaldimir’s death was ultimately natural. In all likelihood, the animal died of a bacterial infection. The beluga may have contracted this infection through a wound to its mouth. The superficial injuries found on the carcass were not caused by bullets or other projectiles, according to the veterinarians.
